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Out Of This World Educator Awards

Featuring the best, brightest, most amazing stars out there who actively inspire learning every day!
Out of this world educator awards logo with rocket ship.
Out of This World Award Trophy

Do you know someone in your community who has dedicated their life to educating others?

Great teachers inspire learners of all ages — from students to adults. Honoring educators in the Carolinas who have made an impact in either a traditional or non-traditional learning environment.

Read about our 2024 winners below!


Who Qualifies?

Anyone in the Carolinas who has made a difference in the lives of learners is eligible. From inspirational teachers in traditional classroom settings to volunteers teaching adults job skills and everything in between.

View Terms and Conditions

Including current or former:
  • Teachers and Professors
  • Administrators and Directors
  • Instructional Assistants
  • Mentors and Tutors
  • Counselors
  • Facilitators
  • Coaches

Meet the 2024 Winners

School Counselor

Mauldin Middle School

Nominated By

Sundra Proctor‑Smith & Trinity Franklin

“Her unwavering support and genuine care helped me break out of my shell and discover my own potential. With her insightful guidance and encouragement, she provided me with the tools and confidence to overcome my fears and embrace new challenges.”

Renee Brown, counselor at Mauldin Middle School, dedicates her time and care to students as the On-Track Coordinator and Career Development Facilitator. In addition to those roles, she created the BLUSH Female Mentoring Program, which has positively impacted more than 100 young women.

Director of Strategy & Development

Alliance for Children

Nominated By

Chelsea Belyea

“Trinisha Dean is a true advocate of early childhood education and teachers in North Carolina. She is a role model and mentor to anyone in the field.”

Trinisha Dean works tirelessly to bring resources and tools to early childhood education and to recognize and further advance early childhood educators.

STEM Teacher

Brevard Academy

Nominated By

Joshua Nelson

“Mr. Dennis is a wonderful educator who puts everything into bringing hands-on learning to every classroom at Brevard Academy.”

Derek Dennis uses a hands-on approach to teaching STEM that relates to kindergarten students all the way through 8th grade. His experience with The Science House at North Carolina State University helps assist teachers and students with using the latest STEM technologies, bringing creativity and excitement to his classroom.

Founder & Lead Teacher

Infinite Minds Academy

Nominated By

Debra Gibson, Dennis Saunders, Lynn Varner, Gina Pritchett, Russchanna McLeod, Jon Garner, Crystal Mullinix & Cristina Chrisco

“She is the neurodivergent genius behind Infinite Minds Academy. Nothing says out of this world love and grace like building your own school to serve children in a way no one else can.”

Destiny Garner created Infinite Minds Academy when she realized that her two Autistic sons needed specialized education. She took her Exceptional Children education background to make sure all were being served.

8th Grade ELA Teacher

Long Middle School

Nominated By

Chevaneeze Howell

“LaTonya believes that every child deserves an opportunity to succeed and tailors her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students. Her classrooms are vibrant spaces where students feel valued, understood, and motivated to learn.”

LaTonya’s approach to teaching is characterized by a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and dedication. She makes education engaging and relevant through hands-on experiences and technology integration.

Animal Science/Agriculture Teacher

Purnell Swett High School

Nominated By

Nina Southern

“Taleek’s genuine care for his students is palpable. By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, he empowers them to believe in their potential.”

Taleek fosters a classroom environment that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally supportive. He encourages his students to live the FFA motto of “Living to serve” and to grow and learn every day, providing opportunities for that through excursions, experiential, learning and mentorship.

2nd Grade Teacher

Williams Township School

Nominated By

Deanna Worley

“Mrs. Lanier is one of those once-in-a lifetime teachers. I am a rising 9th grader in high school, and her influence on my life in 2nd grade is still powerful, even now.”

Phyllis demands the best of her students while allowing them to believe that they can do their best each and every day. She reminds her students that they are strong, smart, and capable and that she believes in them. She is proof that one person can touch hundreds of lives.

McKinney‑Vento Liaison

Public Schools of Robeson County

Nominated By

Tomeika Munn

“Shaneitha Lee Nance has a big heart and passion for the homeless population in the public school system. She cares for each child like [they are] her own.”

With a poverty rate of 27.3% in Robeson County, affordable housing is one of the community’s biggest struggles. Since taking on her position, Shaneitha has worked toward maximizing efforts to identify and serve all homeless students in the school district and region, securing housing, educating teachers and social workers, and coordinating with community partners.

Exceptional Children Teacher

Harnett Central High School

Nominated By

Ava Moldonado

“Lori Perry is an amazing person and a miracle worker in her classroom. I am only scratching the surface of how she impacts her class, Harnett Central High, and the community daily. There is so much more that she does. Lori gives of her time, talents, and funds to make her class’s experience the best it can be during their high school years.”

Lori is committed to her students and seeing that they interact and feel like a part of the rest of the school. This includes Valentine dances, Special Olympics, fire tech/safety classes, and art projects, all while carrying a full Individualized Educational Plan caseload.

Education Consultant I/Student Transition

NC Department of Juvenile Justice Education Services

Nominated By

Winifred Tate

“If you are seeking an exceptional educator, compassionate counselor, articulate administrator, and ardent advocate for our children, Dr. Williams is your candidate.”

With more than 30 years of serving adjudicated, infirmed, or at-risk youth, Dr. Williams is committed to student engagement, community and services placement, and physical and emotional well-being.

The 2024 Out of This World Educator Award winners group.
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Meet Our Previous Winners

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